Death toll from protests in Iran increases as Trump says Iran wants to talk

In this frame grab from footage circulating on social media shows protesters dancing and cheering around a bonfire as they take to the streets despite an intensifying crackdown as the Islamic Republic remains cut off from the rest of the world, in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.

President Trump said Sunday that Iran proposed negotiations after his threat to strike the Islamic Republic over its crackdown targeting demonstrators. Activists say at least 544 have died.

(Image credit: AP)